Blumenthal Performing Arts Announces Center Stage Honorees

Charlotte, NC – Blumenthal Performing Arts awarded six Center Stage Awards to community leaders during its annual meeting Nov. 16 at Knight Theater.
Center Stage Awards are given annually to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in service to the Arts. The 2009-10 recipients include:
Jane Allen Miles: Miles and her husband, John, joined the Blumenthal team as volunteers in November 1992. They served as volunteer ushers at Spirit Square for about eight years before the Performing Arts Center opened. In 2001, Jane retired as Senior Associate Director of the Urban Institute at UNC Charlotte. She then started volunteering to assist in the administrative office and has become a full-time volunteer with the Human Resources team.
Hardin Minor: Minor is the founder of Omimeo Mime Theatre, and his history with Blumenthal Performing Arts goes back prior to its existence. In 1976-79, Minor was a founding performer and activist in the creation of Spirit Square. During that era, he helped create the original dancesStudio and establish its mime and dance curriculums. He was also part of the Blumenthal capital campaign. Minor served as a teaching artist, collaborator and consultant for Blumenthal Education Department programs.
Brian Heffron: The founder of Heffron Talent International, which owns the Comedy Zone name and operates 65 locations in North America, has been in the comedy business for 20 years. Since 2007, Heffron and the Blumenthal have co-promoted over 30 comedy shows.
On Q Productions: Quentin “Q” Talley became involved with the Blumenthal through his work with SlamCharlotte, the award-winning slam poetry team. In 2007, he founded On Q Productions to bring classic, contemporary and original minority works to Charlotte. On Q Productions’ shows are seen in Spirit Square’s Duke Energy and McGlohon Theatres.
Lance, Inc.: Charlotte-based Lance, Inc., is a leader in the sandwich cracker business and is dedicated to delivering great tasting, superior quality snack foods. The company is active in three separate campaigns with the Blumenthal. This fiscal year, Lance added an educational component to its sponsorship by supporting the Community Ticket Scholarship Fund for financially challenged Charlotte Mecklenburg students. Lance is the Blumenthal’s Preferred Snack Food Provider.
Walter D. Fisher Jr.: As Blumenthal Performing Arts’ outgoing chair of the Board of Trustees, Fisher was praised by Gabbard for his service and dedication. Fisher, a commercial real estate attorney at K&L Gates, held the position as chair for three years even though the position is intended as a two-year term.
Dorlisa Flur is the new board chair. She is the Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Family Dollar Stores, Inc., based in Matthews.

ABOUT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. The Blumenthal receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. The Blumenthal is also supported through the generous aid of its sponsors including, Carolinas Medical Center, official healthcare sponsor of Blumenthal Performing Arts; and Duke Energy, sponsor of the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series. For more information: (704) 372-1000 or BlumenthalCenter.org.